IMPORTANT: THIS TIME THERE WILL BE NO FIGHTS. YOU WILL SIMPLY VOTE FOR YOUR TOP 6 CHOICES HERE. PLEASE TRY TO USE UP ALL 6 VOTES. THANKS.
THE BRACKET
Allen Walker - D.Gray-Man
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Yoshida - Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway
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Asta - Black Clover
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Marin Kitagawa - My Dress-Up Darling
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Naoe Kanetsugu - Sengoku Basara
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Vanitas - The Case Study of Vanitas
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Shin - 86
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Thorfinn - Vinland Saga
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Rin Okumura - Blue Exorcist
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Yagami Taichi - Digimon Adventure
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Goku - Dragon Ball Z
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Percival - The Four Knights of the Apocalypse
THE BRACKET
Allen Walker - D.Gray-Man
Allen Walker from D.Gray-Man is a character marked by both his tragic past and his unwavering resolve to fight for what’s right. As a member of the Black Order, Allen battles the forces of the Millennium Earl and his army of Akuma, but his personal struggle goes far beyond the external conflicts. Allen’s right arm, which houses the power of the Innocence, is both a blessing and a curse, as it connects him to the pain and suffering caused by the Akuma. His determination to stop the Earl’s plans is fueled by his desire to protect humanity, but it’s also driven by the trauma of losing loved ones and the burden of his own powers.
What makes Allen’s character compelling is his growth as a leader and a symbol of hope for his comrades. Throughout the series, Allen faces not just external battles, but his own inner demons and self-doubt. His journey is about overcoming personal loss, accepting his role in the world, and fighting for a future free from suffering. Allen’s unwavering commitment to justice, combined with his empathy for others, makes him a relatable and tragic figure in D.Gray-Man, as he struggles to balance his humanity with the immense responsibilities placed upon him.
What makes Allen’s character compelling is his growth as a leader and a symbol of hope for his comrades. Throughout the series, Allen faces not just external battles, but his own inner demons and self-doubt. His journey is about overcoming personal loss, accepting his role in the world, and fighting for a future free from suffering. Allen’s unwavering commitment to justice, combined with his empathy for others, makes him a relatable and tragic figure in D.Gray-Man, as he struggles to balance his humanity with the immense responsibilities placed upon him.
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Yoshida - Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway
Yoshida from Higehiro is a complex and compassionate character who defies traditional romantic tropes. Initially introduced as a salaryman recovering from a painful rejection by his love interest, Yoshida’s life takes an unexpected turn when he decides to take in a runaway high school girl, Sayu. His decision stems not from romantic desire but from a genuine need to help someone in a vulnerable situation. Yoshida’s kindness and selflessness shine throughout the series, particularly as he navigates the delicate boundaries of their unconventional relationship. As a man who has experienced heartache, Yoshida’s emotional maturity allows him to approach Sayu with care and understanding, offering her both physical and emotional shelter without rushing or forcing anything.
What makes Yoshida stand out is his internal growth throughout the series. As he forms a bond with Sayu, he’s forced to confront his own insecurities and emotions, realizing that healing and moving on from the past doesn’t happen overnight. His relationship with Sayu is not just about helping her find stability, but also about him rediscovering his own sense of purpose and understanding of love. Yoshida is a character who demonstrates that true maturity lies in understanding your own flaws and learning to love and support others without expectation. His patience, compassion, and steady growth make him one of the most empathetic and well-rounded characters in recent anime.
What makes Yoshida stand out is his internal growth throughout the series. As he forms a bond with Sayu, he’s forced to confront his own insecurities and emotions, realizing that healing and moving on from the past doesn’t happen overnight. His relationship with Sayu is not just about helping her find stability, but also about him rediscovering his own sense of purpose and understanding of love. Yoshida is a character who demonstrates that true maturity lies in understanding your own flaws and learning to love and support others without expectation. His patience, compassion, and steady growth make him one of the most empathetic and well-rounded characters in recent anime.
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Asta - Black Clover
Asta from Black Clover is a character defined by his unrelenting determination and an indomitable will to prove himself. Born without any magic in a world where magic is everything, Asta's dream of becoming the Wizard King seems impossible. However, instead of allowing his lack of magic to define him, Asta uses his physical strength, relentless work ethic, and boundless optimism to overcome any obstacle in his path. His journey isn’t just about fighting enemies; it’s about fighting against the very limitations that the world has placed on him. Asta’s infectious energy and determination inspire everyone around him, making him an underdog hero you can’t help but root for.
What sets Asta apart from other shounen protagonists is his refusal to accept failure. While many characters in similar shows rely on hidden potential or mysterious powers, Asta’s strength is rooted in his hard work and perseverance. He may not be the most naturally gifted, but his resilience and the way he encourages his friends to keep pushing forward make him an embodiment of growth and determination. As he evolves from an outcast to one of the strongest magic knights, Asta teaches viewers that, with enough effort and heart, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.
What sets Asta apart from other shounen protagonists is his refusal to accept failure. While many characters in similar shows rely on hidden potential or mysterious powers, Asta’s strength is rooted in his hard work and perseverance. He may not be the most naturally gifted, but his resilience and the way he encourages his friends to keep pushing forward make him an embodiment of growth and determination. As he evolves from an outcast to one of the strongest magic knights, Asta teaches viewers that, with enough effort and heart, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.
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Marin Kitagawa - My Dress-Up Darling
Marin Kitagawa from My Dress-Up Darling is a vibrant, confident, and passionate character who immediately steals the spotlight with her infectious personality. As a high school girl with a deep love for cosplay, Marin breaks stereotypes with her unfiltered enthusiasm and openness about her interests. She isn’t shy about her love for anime and video games, and her energy and confidence make her magnetic to those around her. Her relationship with Gojo, the shy and reserved protagonist, blossoms as they bond over their shared love of creating and dressing up in costumes. Marin’s character is an embodiment of accepting oneself fully, without shame or hesitation, which makes her incredibly refreshing in an anime world where many characters hide their true selves.
Marin’s depth comes from her emotional openness and her ability to bridge the gap between her world and Gojo’s. While she appears carefree, she also grapples with insecurities about her looks and the expectations placed on her as a beautiful young woman. Her relationship with Gojo helps her grow, and she provides him with the emotional support and encouragement he needs to step out of his shell. What makes Marin so charming is her vulnerability behind the confident facade, as well as her ability to make others feel comfortable being themselves. She’s a character who celebrates individuality and teaches viewers the importance of self-love and the joy of being unapologetically yourself.
Marin’s depth comes from her emotional openness and her ability to bridge the gap between her world and Gojo’s. While she appears carefree, she also grapples with insecurities about her looks and the expectations placed on her as a beautiful young woman. Her relationship with Gojo helps her grow, and she provides him with the emotional support and encouragement he needs to step out of his shell. What makes Marin so charming is her vulnerability behind the confident facade, as well as her ability to make others feel comfortable being themselves. She’s a character who celebrates individuality and teaches viewers the importance of self-love and the joy of being unapologetically yourself.
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Naoe Kanetsugu - Sengoku Basara
Naoe Kanetsugu from Sengoku Basara is a character who blends loyalty, intellect, and personal honor with a unique sense of humor. Known as a strategist and advisor to the warlord Uesugi Kenshin, Kanetsugu’s intelligence and quick thinking make him indispensable on the battlefield. His loyalty to Kenshin is unmatched, and he is often seen as the moral compass of the Uesugi clan, always working to guide his lord through turbulent times. Kanetsugu’s calm demeanor and sharp wit make him a refreshing character in a world filled with more bombastic warriors. While he may not have the raw strength of other characters, his tactical brilliance and dedication to his cause make him a formidable force.
What makes Kanetsugu truly stand out is his complex personality. Though he is a man of few words, his sense of duty and his emotional commitment to his lord reveal a deeper layer of his character. He’s often portrayed as stoic, but his actions speak volumes about his unwavering support and belief in what he’s fighting for. Kanetsugu’s loyalty and wisdom are what define him, and it’s this steady resolve, along with his ability to handle the political and military challenges of the Sengoku era, that makes him one of the standout figures in Sengoku Basara.
What makes Kanetsugu truly stand out is his complex personality. Though he is a man of few words, his sense of duty and his emotional commitment to his lord reveal a deeper layer of his character. He’s often portrayed as stoic, but his actions speak volumes about his unwavering support and belief in what he’s fighting for. Kanetsugu’s loyalty and wisdom are what define him, and it’s this steady resolve, along with his ability to handle the political and military challenges of the Sengoku era, that makes him one of the standout figures in Sengoku Basara.
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Vanitas - The Case Study of Vanitas
Vanitas from The Case Study of Vanitas is a charismatic and mysterious character whose journey is a blend of self-discovery, revenge, and the quest for justice. As a human who holds a cursed book, the Book of Vanitas, he is both a doctor and a protector of vampires, offering them a chance at freedom from the curse that binds them. Vanitas has a sharp wit, a playful demeanor, and an air of mystery that makes him intriguing from the outset. However, beneath his playful exterior lies a tragic past and a deep-seated desire for vengeance against those who have wronged him and his kind. His complex motivations, combined with his desire to help others, make him a multifaceted protagonist.
What truly makes Vanitas compelling is the tension between his charming, almost devil-may-care attitude and the darker, more vengeful motivations lurking within. His relationship with Noé, his companion, is central to his development as they navigate the dangers of a world full of cursed vampires and political intrigue. As the series progresses, Vanitas is forced to confront the implications of his actions and the consequences of seeking vengeance. His growth is about reconciling his past with his desire to help others, and this emotional conflict makes him one of the most interesting and multi-dimensional characters in the series.
What truly makes Vanitas compelling is the tension between his charming, almost devil-may-care attitude and the darker, more vengeful motivations lurking within. His relationship with Noé, his companion, is central to his development as they navigate the dangers of a world full of cursed vampires and political intrigue. As the series progresses, Vanitas is forced to confront the implications of his actions and the consequences of seeking vengeance. His growth is about reconciling his past with his desire to help others, and this emotional conflict makes him one of the most interesting and multi-dimensional characters in the series.
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Shin - 86
Shin from 86 is a complex and emotionally charged character who embodies the psychological toll of war and the humanity that survives even in the most brutal circumstances. As a soldier in a war where his people are seen as expendable, Shin’s journey is one of loss, survival, and the search for meaning in a world filled with death. He carries the heavy burden of his past and the trauma of the battlefield, often struggling to keep his emotions in check as he fights to protect his comrades. Despite his stoic and cold exterior, Shin’s internal struggles make him one of the most nuanced and relatable characters in 86.
Shin’s development throughout the series is marked by his gradual acceptance of the connections he forms with others, particularly with his fellow soldiers and his handler, Vladilena. His journey is one of learning to trust again and to find hope even in the darkest of situations. What makes Shin such a powerful character is his resilience—his ability to keep fighting for a future where his people are no longer oppressed and where he can finally find peace. His emotional depth, combined with his strategic mind and dedication to his comrades, make him a standout character in the series.
Shin’s development throughout the series is marked by his gradual acceptance of the connections he forms with others, particularly with his fellow soldiers and his handler, Vladilena. His journey is one of learning to trust again and to find hope even in the darkest of situations. What makes Shin such a powerful character is his resilience—his ability to keep fighting for a future where his people are no longer oppressed and where he can finally find peace. His emotional depth, combined with his strategic mind and dedication to his comrades, make him a standout character in the series.
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Thorfinn - Vinland Saga
Thorfinn from Vinland Saga is a deeply complex character whose evolution from a vengeful young boy to a man of peace and self-reflection is one of the most compelling arcs in anime. Born the son of a renowned warrior, Thorfinn’s life is shaped by violence from a young age after the death of his father at the hands of the Viking leader Askeladd. Consumed by a desire for revenge, Thorfinn spends much of his life as a ruthless fighter, driven by hatred and a need to prove himself. However, as the series progresses, he begins to question the true meaning of strength, honor, and revenge, ultimately leading him down a path of personal redemption. His internal conflict and growth are what make his character arc so powerful and poignant.
What makes Thorfinn stand out is his struggle to find purpose in a world full of violence. Initially, he seeks vengeance for his father’s death, but as he grows older, he begins to understand the futility of revenge and the cost it takes on his own soul. His journey is not just one of physical battles, but of emotional and philosophical growth. Thorfinn’s transformation from a man of bloodlust to someone seeking a better life for himself and others is a story of redemption, personal growth, and the search for meaning in a brutal world. His evolution is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the possibility of change, even for someone who’s spent their life consumed by hate.
What makes Thorfinn stand out is his struggle to find purpose in a world full of violence. Initially, he seeks vengeance for his father’s death, but as he grows older, he begins to understand the futility of revenge and the cost it takes on his own soul. His journey is not just one of physical battles, but of emotional and philosophical growth. Thorfinn’s transformation from a man of bloodlust to someone seeking a better life for himself and others is a story of redemption, personal growth, and the search for meaning in a brutal world. His evolution is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the possibility of change, even for someone who’s spent their life consumed by hate.
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Rin Okumura - Blue Exorcist
Rin Okumura from Blue Exorcist is a character who embodies the classic struggle of identity, self-acceptance, and the battle against inner demons. As the son of Satan, Rin’s existence is marked by constant conflict—both externally and internally. At first, he struggles with the revelation of his demonic heritage, rejecting it and fighting to create his own path. Despite the immense power he inherits from his father, Rin refuses to be defined by it and chooses to fight for justice as an exorcist. His fiery personality, combined with his desire to prove himself, make him an immensely relatable character, especially for viewers grappling with their own sense of self-worth.
What makes Rin so compelling is his unwavering determination to overcome the darkness inside him. He constantly wrestles with his heritage, trying to control his powers without succumbing to them. His relationship with his brother Yukio, who is a more reserved and calculated character, adds another layer to Rin’s character arc, as they work together while navigating their own complicated feelings. Rin’s emotional growth, his ability to accept his flaws, and his determination to forge his own destiny make him a standout character in Blue Exorcist. He’s a classic underdog with the heart and drive to fight against the odds, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.
What makes Rin so compelling is his unwavering determination to overcome the darkness inside him. He constantly wrestles with his heritage, trying to control his powers without succumbing to them. His relationship with his brother Yukio, who is a more reserved and calculated character, adds another layer to Rin’s character arc, as they work together while navigating their own complicated feelings. Rin’s emotional growth, his ability to accept his flaws, and his determination to forge his own destiny make him a standout character in Blue Exorcist. He’s a classic underdog with the heart and drive to fight against the odds, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.
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Yagami Taichi - Digimon Adventure
Yagami Taichi from Digimon Adventure is the epitome of a brave and compassionate leader. As the protagonist of the series, Taichi is thrust into a world where he and his friends must work with digital creatures to save both the real and Digital Worlds. What makes Taichi stand out is his innate sense of responsibility and his unwavering loyalty to his friends and their Digimon partners. He’s courageous, often charging into danger without fully understanding the consequences, but his determination and heart always guide him toward the right decisions. Taichi’s growth throughout the series revolves around his increasing understanding of what it means to be a leader and a friend.
As the series progresses, Taichi learns the importance of teamwork, trust, and the emotional bonds that form through shared struggles. His relationship with his Digimon partner, Agumon, is at the core of his development, as they face trials together and grow stronger as a team. Taichi’s journey is one of learning the importance of balance—being both a fierce fighter and a compassionate leader who cares deeply for those around him. His optimism, loyalty, and ability to inspire others make him a timeless and beloved character in the Digimon franchise.
As the series progresses, Taichi learns the importance of teamwork, trust, and the emotional bonds that form through shared struggles. His relationship with his Digimon partner, Agumon, is at the core of his development, as they face trials together and grow stronger as a team. Taichi’s journey is one of learning the importance of balance—being both a fierce fighter and a compassionate leader who cares deeply for those around him. His optimism, loyalty, and ability to inspire others make him a timeless and beloved character in the Digimon franchise.
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Goku - Dragon Ball Z
Goku from Dragon Ball is the quintessential shounen protagonist—optimistic, determined, and always striving to become stronger. Known for his love of fighting and his relentless pursuit of self-improvement, Goku’s character has become synonymous with the ideals of never giving up and constantly pushing beyond one’s limits. His cheerful demeanor, love for adventure, and dedication to his friends and family make him an iconic figure in anime. Despite his immense power, Goku remains humble and free of arrogance, always seeking new challenges and striving to be the best version of himself.
What makes Goku truly special is his ability to inspire others. His never-say-die attitude and willingness to always protect those he loves have cemented him as a symbol of hope and perseverance. Over the years, Goku’s character has evolved, especially as he becomes a father and mentor, but his core values remain the same: strength, friendship, and loyalty. Goku’s ability to inspire not just his allies but his enemies as well, as he shows them the power of redemption and growth, is a testament to his lasting impact in the world of anime.
What makes Goku truly special is his ability to inspire others. His never-say-die attitude and willingness to always protect those he loves have cemented him as a symbol of hope and perseverance. Over the years, Goku’s character has evolved, especially as he becomes a father and mentor, but his core values remain the same: strength, friendship, and loyalty. Goku’s ability to inspire not just his allies but his enemies as well, as he shows them the power of redemption and growth, is a testament to his lasting impact in the world of anime.
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Percival - The Four Knights of the Apocalypse
Percival from The Four Knights of the Apocalypse is a young and optimistic character with a strong sense of justice and a desire to prove himself as a hero. As the protagonist of the series, Percival is thrust into a world filled with magic, monsters, and ancient prophecies. Despite the heavy burden placed on him, Percival’s inherent kindness and unwavering belief in doing what’s right make him a standout character. His unyielding optimism and determination to help those around him set him apart from other heroes in similar genres. Throughout the series, Percival’s growth is not just physical, but emotional, as he learns the true meaning of being a hero.
What makes Percival unique is how his journey is not about defeating powerful foes but about understanding his place in the world and accepting the responsibilities that come with it. His adventures challenge his sense of self and test his ideals, but through it all, Percival remains a beacon of hope, showing that even in a world filled with darkness, there is always light to be found. His character is one of growth, compassion, and the pursuit of justice, making him a character you can’t help but root for.
What makes Percival unique is how his journey is not about defeating powerful foes but about understanding his place in the world and accepting the responsibilities that come with it. His adventures challenge his sense of self and test his ideals, but through it all, Percival remains a beacon of hope, showing that even in a world filled with darkness, there is always light to be found. His character is one of growth, compassion, and the pursuit of justice, making him a character you can’t help but root for.
